porcelain veneers Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Did I Ruin My Porcelain Veneers with Whitening Toothpaste?

Posted on January 18, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Did whitening toothpaste ruin my porcelain veneers? I’ve been using it since I got the veneers in September. I only use it weekly to keep the veneers white. I do not remember if my dentist told me not to use toothpaste on my veneers. I just found out online that some toothpaste scratch cosmetic dentistry work, and embarrassed to tell my dentist what I have done. Will the scratches be visible? Can I get the veneers touched up before my next dental exam and cleaning? Thank you. Zoe from Fresno, CA

Zoe,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns about the appearance of your smile and your investment in porcelain veneers.

Does Whitening Toothpaste Ruin Your Veneers?

Although whitening toothpaste may not ruin your veneers, the abrasiveness can scratch the surface of veneers. But you would need to use the toothpaste consistently and long-term for it to scratch. You have used the toothpaste ten to twelve times, so if you have scratches on your veneers, they are minor if they exist.

Your dentist will tell you if the veneers are scratched during your next dental exam. An expert cosmetic dentist can polish veneers.

What Kind of Toothpaste Can You Use on Porcelain Veneers?

Use nonabrasive toothpaste on porcelain veneers

You can use nonabrasive toothpaste that is specifically for cosmetic dentistry work. Otherwise, the toothpaste formula may wear away the bonding between the porcelain veneers and your teeth. Look for Supersmile® toothpaste or another low-abrasion toothpaste.

How Can You Keep Porcelain Veneers White?

Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing between them keeps porcelain veneers white because they are stain resistant. During dental cleanings and exams, your dentist and hygienist will use specific tools and materials for cosmetic work. Cosmetic dentists use tools and polishing pastes to restore the shine of porcelain veneers as needed. You will not need teeth whitening products or treatment to keep your veneers bright.

Although you are embarrassed, it was a mistake. You may schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist or another dentist to check your veneers. Your dentist will be happy to examine your porcelain veneers and the bonding for any signs of damage and correct them to prevent further damage.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

Can I Get My Crowns Replaced with Veneers?

Posted on July 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I am concerned about the toxicity of my metal crowns because they contain palladium. I want all six crowns replaced with veneers, so I will know that I don’t have metal in my mouth. How do I find a dentist who will replace them? Thank you. Len from Manhattan

Len

Thank you for your question.

Palladium is a moderately biocompatible noble metal in the platinum group. Sensitivities to the metal are rare, but it is possible to react to palladium. Most dental crowns and bridges with a metal framework contain palladium.

Still, if you want a metal-free alternative, consider these factors:

Can You Replace Dental Crowns with Veneers?

Porcelain veneers require minimal tooth preparation and do not work for teeth that had crowns on them

A dentist is unable to replace dental crowns with veneers. Preparing teeth for crowns requires shaving each tooth on all sides to allow the crown to fit over it. Porcelain veneers only cover the fronts of your teeth and require minimal preparation. After a dentist shaves tooth structure in preparation for crowns, you will not have enough tooth structure for veneers. You can only get new crowns.

The Role of Metals in the Human Body

Our daily nutrition and life rely on metal ions.

Sodium – As a pure metal, sodium is toxic. It becomes salt when combined with chlorine.
Iron – We cannot consume metallic iron, but iron ions in our hemoglobin give our blood its red color and help our muscles store and use oxygen.
Other metal ions – Other metals that we need for a healthy diet and nutrition include:
- Calcium
- Cobalt
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Potassium
- Zinc

What about Ceramic Crowns?

Lithium – Sodium-based is in ocean water. Lithium disilicate is a high-strength ceramic. E.max crowns contain lithium disilicate.
Zirconium – Zirconium dioxide or zirconia is so strong that engineers use it in aerodynamics. It is more durable than other ceramics for dental restorations. Zirconia crowns make exceptionally durable dental bridges.
Porcelain – Cosmetic dentists mainly use porcelain crowns for front teeth because porcelain is not as strong as lithium or zirconia. Dental porcelain contains kaolin, a clay that contains silica and the ion aluminum oxide, which is not a metal.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss your concerns about your metal-based crowns and alternatives for replacing them.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

Will Porcelain Veneers Work for Overlapped Teeth?

Posted on June 28, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My center front teeth overlap. I also have two teeth on the left side that overlap. I know braces will work, but I am not sure about the time commitment. It seems like a lot of trouble to spend more than a year getting four teeth straight. My other teeth look okay. Will four porcelain veneers work to get rid of the overlapping, or will I have to get braces? Thanks. Everett from Lansing, MI

Everett – Thank you for your question.

Porcelain veneers can correct overlapped teeth, but a skilled cosmetic dentist must examine your teeth first to determine whether veneers will enhance your smile.

Will Veneers Work for Overlapped Teeth?

A skilled cosmetic dentist can determine whether porcelain veneers will correct overlapped teeth

An advanced cosmetic dentist may be able to reshape your teeth to accommodate veneers. You may need a combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments to ensure your smile looks natural.

Although only four teeth might seem to be affected, other teeth might be shifting. If so, you will need to compare orthodontic treatment vs. porcelain veneers. If your teeth are moving, cosmetic dentistry will not stop the movement. Orthodontics might provide a longer-lasting solution.

Even if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers, you may need more than four veneers to produce natural-looking results. Sometimes adjacent teeth require veneers to balance out your smile.

Finding a Cosmetic Dentist for Overlapped Teeth

Correcting your smile with cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers requires much skill. Schedule an appointment with at least two experienced cosmetic dentists to receive an exam and discuss your treatment options. Remember to prepare questions about your treatment options, including:

Ask to see before-and-after pictures of similar cases the dentist has completed.
Ask about the results you can expect if you receive porcelain veneers.
Other than the four teeth you are concerned about, ask if there are any apparent issues with other teeth that need attention.

Dr. Michael Szarek, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors this post.

Are Veneers My Only Option for Tetracycline-Stained Teeth?

Posted on May 19, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I am increasingly self-conscious about tetracycline stains on my teeth. It is embarrassing to try to explain it to people who seem distracted by my teeth and unable to concentrate on our conversation. Last month, I had a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who recommended porcelain veneers. The cost of $20,000 – $30,000 would heavily impact my savings. My teeth and self-esteem are worth it, but I am interested in knowing whether I have other options. – Thank you. Aaron from Georgia

Aaron,

Thank you for your question.

The cost quoted to you is reasonable for premier porcelain veneers from a skilled dentist. We will explain more about the treatment for tetracycline stains.

Do Porcelain Veneers Work for Tetracycline Stains?

Porcelain veneer

Concealing tetracycline stains with porcelain veneers takes advanced training, skill, and artistry from a cosmetic dentist. If you find a dentist with low fees who claims to be able to hide the stains, you can count on getting inferior results. The stains may show through the veneers, or the veneers may look opaque or pasty, making it evident that you had dental work. But an advanced cosmetic dentist and adept ceramist can produce incredible results with veneers.

Will Bonding or Teeth Whitening Help Tetracycline Stains?

Whether dental bonding or teeth whitening will help tetracycline stains depends on the severity of stains and a dentist’s skill and experience.

Dental bonding – The skill and precision it takes a cosmetic dentist to blend composites and apply them to your teeth to hide tetracycline stains can be more costly than porcelain veneers.
Teeth whitening – A skilled cosmetic dentist may recommend a high-strength whitening system to improve tetracycline stains, but the results will not be as effective as porcelain veneers. Bleaching treatment is a tiny fraction of the cost of porcelain veneers.

Request Another Consultation for Tetracycline Stains

Comparing your options can help you understand whether you are making the right decision regarding cosmetic dentistry. We recommend scheduling another consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist to examine your x-rays and teeth. The second opinion can clarify which treatment will give you results that help you feel good about your smile.

Best wishes.

Dr. Michael Szarek, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors this post.

Root Canal After Veneers

Posted on November 23, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I need a root canal after wearing veneers for 12 years. My left upper incisor is infected, so my dentist referred me to an endodontist. A root canal is my only option. My veneers look new, so I am concerned about my tooth turning dark after the root canal or losing the veneer altogether. Also, I got the veneers when I lived in Texas, but now I live in NJ. Although my dentist takes good care of my veneers, I haven’t seen any of her veneers’ cases, so I don’t know if I have confidence in her if I need a new veneer. Am I at risk of losing it? – Thank you. Linda from New Haven, CT

Linda,

It is unusual to need root canal treatment for a porcelain veneer tooth. But if a dentist aggressively prepared your tooth veneers and removed the enamel, the tooth is at greater risk for stress and decay.

How to Prevent a Root Canal from Darkening Your Veneer

Root canal after veneers can darken a tooth. But during treatment, your dentist can minimize the effects. After your endodontist performs your root canal treatment, they can preserve your tooth color with these steps:

Clean out root canal filling material from the portion of your tooth above the gumline
Place a flexible fiberglass post into the tooth root
Fill the space with a light shade of dental composite

Since leftover filling and cement darkening after root canal treatment usually causes darkening, the above steps will help. Cleaning out your crown can prevent your tooth from darkening for five to ten years. And your porcelain veneer can prolong the good results.

Will Root Canal Treatment Ruin Your Veneer?

A securely bonded veneer should stay intact during root canal treatment

Root canal treatment should not ruin your veneer. A dentist will access your tooth from the biting surface—not the front of a tooth where your veneer is located. If the dentist who placed your veneers bonded them securely, your veneer would stay in place during root canal treatment.

Michael Szarek, DMD sponsors this post. Dr. Szarek is an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts.